Heather Latter
Although there’s still snow on the ground, plans already are in motion for the annual “Relay for Life” in Fort Frances, which will be held overnight on June 24 at Fort Frances High School.
“It’s time to start getting team captains thinking and rolling with decoration ideas, recruitment for their teams, and getting fundraising going,” said Jennifer Anderson, this year’s co-chair for the event.
She noted the committee began meeting several weeks ago to get the logistics planned out and now it’s time to get the community involved in the planning.
“We had a phenomenal year last year,” enthused Anderson, noting the number of participants was up from recent years.
“And we actually exceeded our fundraising goal,” she added. “So we’d like to keep building on that momentum.”
The Canadian Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” is an overnight, non-competitive relay that celebrates cancer survivors and pays tribute to loved ones.
Referred to as “a night of fun, friendship, and fundraising to beat cancer,” the “Relay” involves teams of 10 people who take turns walking, running, or strolling around a track.
Teams consist of people representing corporations, communities, families, and friends.
The “Relay for Life” is a signature event of the Canadian Cancer Society, taking place all across Canada during the month of June.
The local “Relay” gained some momentum last year after the committee opted to make a few changes to the event, such as moving the venue from Pither’s Point Park to Fort Frances High School, adding a Survivors’ Dinner prior to the annual Survivors’ Lap, and incorporating a theme.
“We got a good reception from the new location, so we’re going back there again,” noted Anderson, adding the new Survivors’ Dinner also was a very successful element of the event.
Boston Pizza, along with some local sponsors, provided a sit-down dinner for the survivors. Then immediately afterwards, they headed to the track at the high school to walk the Survivors’ Lap.
“It was just a really good chance for the survivors to get together and network and talk,” Anderson explained.
“So we’d like to duplicate the success of last year,” echoed committee member John Homer.
He noted 87 survivors and caregivers attended the dinner, which was completely paid for outside of the money raised for the “Relay.”
“I’m hoping it’ll be even bigger this year,” Homer remarked, adding he wouldn’t be surprised if 100-150 survivors attended this year’s dinner.
And while last year’s teams each highlighted a specific country to mark the “Relay Around the World” theme, this year will see teams showcasing a particular decade with the “Relay Through the Decades” motif.
“I think it will be a lot of fun and something different,” said Anderson, explaining the teams’ decorating and activities should focus on their specific decade.
“We’re quite excited about it,” added Homer.
As in previous years, the event will run from 7 p.m.-7 a.m. Once again, it will feature activities to keep the people occupied when they aren’t walking around the track, as well as for the spectators to join in.
“We would really like to see more spectators out supporting the participants this year,” said Homer.
“They are invited to come out and join in some of the activities, too,” added Anneda Chabot, who is in charge of entertainment and activities for this year’s “Relay for Life.”
“We have a lot of fresh, new ideas that we hope will inspire people and ensure they have a great time,” she enthused.
“I have a feeling this is going to be the best year yet.”
Chabot said some of the ideas they have so far include a fun “Relay Idol” competition, an “Evolution of Dance” contest, lots of music from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, and plenty of other raffles, games, and prizes.
Anyone with suggestions for activities or entertainment can contact Chabot at 270-6263.
There will be a kick-off meeting for the “Relay for Life” on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Gillons’ Insurance here.
Anyone interested in registering a team, being on a team, or volunteering is encouraged to attend.
“It will be a great opportunity for you get to know the committee, as well to answer any questions you have,” Anderson said.
Information about the “Relay” also will be available at this year’s Chamber of Commerce Home and Leisure Show on April 29-30 at the Memorial Sports Centre, where they once again will be playing “Fish for Life” as a fundraiser.
Gillons’ will match all donations made and there will be prizes up for grabs.
Committee members also can be contacted for further information: Christine Denby (Luminaries) at 274-8595, Sue Hanson (Volunteers) at 274-8595, Jeannine Shine (Survivors) at 486-3403, and Anderson (Team Registration) at 274-4972.
